National Chimney Sweep Guild News Newswire

NCSG and CSIA Executive Director Announces Resignation

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NCSG and CSIA Executive Director Announces Resignation March 21, 2013 - Executive Director Mark McSweeney, CAE has announced that he will resign from the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America effective April 16, 2013. Mark has accepted a new opportunity in the Indianapolis area, remaining in the association management field. Mark's legacy leaves NCSG and CSIA in strong leadership positions for the future. Serving more than ten years, Mark is the longest-tenured Executive Director in the history of the organizations. During his tenure, Mark guided the National Chimney Sweep Guild through the reorganization of regional representation, the introduction of a comprehensive general liability insurance program for the industry, increased international recognition and multiple successful conventions and trade shows. He guided the Chimney Safety Institute of America through the restructure of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® program, governance restructure, the early payoff of the CSIA Technology Center mortgage, several landmark challenges to protect CSIA's trademarks in federal court, and unparalleled media exposure increasing awareness of CSIA certification across the country. "I am truly honored to have been entrusted with the administrative leadership of both of these organizations for more than a decade, and am very proud of the many accomplishments I have shared with the talented professional and volunteer team around me," stated McSweeney. "I will treasure the experience and look forward to watching with fondness the continued growth and success of the industry and all within it." McSweeney leaves NCSG and CSIA positioned for success with a number of initiatives that the boards and staff will be exploring in the months ahead. "We have achieved significant success during my tenure, but as in any vibrant organization there is still great work to do." Both organizations thank Mark McSweeney for his expertise and dedication during his tenure as Executive Director. Jay Walker, President of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, said "Mark has been a true asset to the Guild and we wish him well. His association management expertise has positioned us for a strong future." John Pilger, President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America adds "Having Mark at the helm has certainly helped us keep perspective when it comes to opportunities as a non-profit educational organization. He knows his stuff and he'll be missed." The NCSG and CSIA Executive Committees will be selecting an Executive Search committee to begin the selection process for a new Executive Director to lead the organizations' professional operations.

Available for Air: Holiday PSAs Encourages Chimney Safety

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Available for Air: Holiday PSAs Encourages Chimney Safety 30-second spots feature humor and a soot-covered Santa Claus INDIANAPOLIS – Holiday-themed public service announcements on chimney safety produced by the National Chimney Sweep Guild are now available for digital delivery to stations seeking to fill available airtime with calendar-appropriate content. Each year, more than 25,000 U.S. residential fires that lead to more than $110 million in property loss and damages are blamed on faulty chimneys that have not been properly maintained. The two complementary NCSG spots running 30 seconds each are good-humored and available for download as Quicktime movies upon request. They feature an annoyed Santa Claus wearing his traditional red suit, which is left covered in soot after trips down dirty, and potentially dangerous, chimneys. The videos can be previewed on YouTube using the link to spot #1 and the link to spot #2. The spots encourage annual chimney inspections and cleanings as necessary to reduce the risk of chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other dangers posed by poorly-maintained chimneys. Chimneys are crucial household appliances often overlooked for regular maintenance, because they are often less visible to homeowners when compared to a home’s refrigerator, washer or dryer. Interested parties, who request copies of the NCSG PSAs, will receive them via YouSendIt, a free service for delivering large digital files directly to your email inbox. Contact Jeff Dutton at jdutton@bohlsengroup.com or 317-275-2047 to secure your copy today.

CPSC Recall: Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Jotul North America

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2012 Release #13-055 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 797-5912 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983 Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Jotul North America Due to Electrical Shock and Burn Hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Jotul and Scan gas fireplace inserts Units: About 1,200 in the United States and 50 in Canada Manufacturer: Jotul North America, of Gorham, Maine Hazard: The fireplace insert's electrical wiring can come into contact with the metal rating plate on the insert, posing electrical shock and burn hazards to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of an electric shock and burn injury with the recalled fireplace inserts. Description: This recall involves four models of Jotul and Scan brand gas fireplace inserts. These inserts fit into existing vented fireplaces providing a variety of fireplace effects fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. The fireplace inserts are cast iron or steel and have a glass front, ceramic fiber logs, a gas burner and an electrical cord. They measure about 17 inches by 32 inches. The model and serial numbers are located on a metal rating plate inside the bottom front panel of the fireplace insert. Model Names | Model Numbers | Serial Numbers Jotul GI 450 DVII | 350860 | 30001 through 31056 Jotul GI 450 DV TSI | 350861 | 30001 through 31056 Scan 45i | 350862 | 1001 through 1182 Scan 45i TSI | 50866 | 1001 through 1182 Sold at: Independent specialty fireplace and stove stores nationwide and in Canada from June 2010 through September 2012 for about $2,200. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled gas fireplace inserts before checking the unit's model and serial numbers. Contact the store where purchased or Jotul directly to schedule a free repair. Consumer Contact: Jotul North America; at (800) 797-5912, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.jotul.com and click on Consumer Bulletin for more information. Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1735 To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13055.html

CPSC Recall: Fireplaces and Inserts Recalled by Monessen Hearth Systems Due to Risk of Fire

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Fireplaces and Inserts Recalled by Monessen Hearth Systems Due to Risk of Fire 11/8/12 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Signature Command(tm) (electronically) Controlled Direct and B-Vent Gas Fireplaces and Inserts Units: About 15,000 Manufacturer: Monessen Hearth Systems Co., of Paris, Ky. Hazard: A control component in the fireplaces and inserts can prevent the unit from lighting though gas continues to flow, posing a fire hazard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: This recall involves electronically controlled Majestic, Monessen and Vermont Castings direct-vent and B-vent gas fireplaces and inserts. Models included in the recall have serial numbers range from 11-X-027322 to 11-X-031501; 12-X-000275 to 12-X-015206, 11-P-032597 to 11-P-059389; and 12-P-000202 to 12-P-037583. The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, the letter represents the facility and the last six digits are sequential numbers, randomly selected. The serial number is printed on a rating plate, affixed to a cable inside the lower or side control door. Sold at: Hearth dealers and distributors nationwide between October 2011 and October 2012 for between $1,030 and $8,160. Manufactured in: United States and Mexico Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and turn off the fireplace using the master control switch on the command center which is located inside the control door. Consumers should contact Monessen Hearth Systems Company to arrange a free repair. Consumer Contact: Monessen Hearth Systems; toll-free at (877) 406-9180, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or website www.mhsc.com and click on "Recall Notice: Signature Command Defect" for more information. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13033.html

An Open Letter to the Chimney Service Industry

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

An Open Letter to the Chimney Service Industry From Mark McSweeney, CAE Executive Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild Earlier this morning, NBC's Today Show aired a segment featuring an undercover investigation on chimney sweeps. The Today Show "sting" operation took place at a home in the Northeast, where chimney sweeps were called in for a routine sweeping. When sweeps did not provide a thorough inspection of the home's chimney when recommending repairs or service, Today Show reporters and producers confronted them about their tactics. Ashley Eldridge, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)'s Director of Education, served as the lead technical expert for the segment. In his role as Director of Education, Ashley is responsible for the administration of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credentialing program and is a regular spokesperson for CSIA. When presented with the opportunity to participate, we knew that it was our responsibility to help educate the public about what to expect when hiring a chimney sweep for regular maintenance. It is CSIA's mission is to encourage public awareness of issues relating to chimney and venting performance and safety. This segment serves as a great reminder that homeowners need to do their homework before inviting contractors into their home. In response to the segment, both the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild have issued statements to the media introducing the organizations' programs as the standard for the industry and outlining steps to take to verify industry memberships and credentials. We believe that the segment on the Today Show and the industry's response to the segment will open the door for continued conversations about how to hire a qualified, ethical chimney professional. We encourage you to take this opportunity to proactively share your experience and credentials with your customers. Just like in any service industry, while there may be a few bad apples, we know there are far more of you out there who bring a high level of professionalism and ethical accountability to the trade. To confidently demonstrate to the consumer that you are among the best of the best, here are a few ways that you can set yourself apart: • Verify that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date online at www.NCSG.org and/or www.CSIA.org. • Verify that your membership and credentials are accurate and up-to-date on your own website. • Invite your customers to verify your memberships and credentials online at www.NCSG.org and/or www.CSIA.org. Doing so helps to diminish the impact of competitors who falsely claim to have those same credentials. • Provide your customers with references. • Have a valid certificate of insurance available upon request. • If your company is a member of NCSG, remind your customers that you have signed the NCSG Code of Ethics. • If you have CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps on staff, remind your customers that each individual has signed the CSIA Code of Ethics and be sure that they are each carrying their photo identification cards. Both the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America are here to support the industry by reminding homeowners of the need for annual chimney inspections and to help homeowners make informed decisions about the professionals who will perform those services. We believe that our media outreach brings awareness to these issues and hope that you, through your affiliation with NCSG and CSIA, will benefit from more informed customers. All the best for a safe and successful season, Mark T. McSweeney, CAE Executive Director National Chimney Sweep Guild www.ncsg.org Office: (317) 837-1500 * Fax: (317) 837-5365 Chimney Safety Institute of America www.csia.org Office: (317) 837-5362 * Fax: (317) 837-5365 NCSG and CSIA: Partners in the Future of Chimneys & Venting in America Note: This document may contain confidential and nonpublic information. It is intended only for the use of the recipients and others specifically authorized to receive it. Dissemination, distribution or copying of any part of this email or its attachments is prohibited without the expressed permission of the sender.

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2012 Release #12-251 LG Recall Hotline: (866) 223-5355 Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 375-9741 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately until a repair is completed on affected dryers. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite(r) Gas Dryers Units: About 21,000 Manufacturer: LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea Hazard: The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation. Incidents/Injuries: LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents. Description: LG Electronics and Sears' Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite(r) in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled. For the LG Electronics brand: Model Numbers | Serial Numbers DLG0452W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**00090, 911KW**00271 through 911KW**00630 DLG1320W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**01518, 002KW**00001 through 002KW**00450, 911KW**00184 through 911KW**00561, 912KW**00001 through 912KW**00090 DLG2051W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**03150, 002KW**00001 through 002KW**01620, 911KW**00061 through 911KW**01860, 912KW**00001 through 912KW**02520 For the Kenmore Elite brand: Model Numbers | Serial Numbers 796.905129 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00180, 911KW**00091~911KW**00450, 912KW**00001~912KW**00450 796.905189 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00540, 002KW**00001~002KW**00090, 911KW**00001~911KW**00450, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 796.910229 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00360, 002KW**00001~002KW**00042, 911KW**00001~911KW**00315, 912KW**00001~912KW**00540 796.910289 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 002KW**00001~002KW**00090, 911KW**00001~911KW**00171, 912KW**00001~912KW**00539 796.910299 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 911KW**00271~911KW**00402, 912KW**00001~912KW**00450 796.921929 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 911KW**00181~911KW**00542, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 796.921989 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00360, 911KW**00001~911KW**00440, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 796.921999 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00084, 911KW**00091~911KW**00361, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270 Sold by: LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite(r) brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models. Manufactured in: South Korea Remedy: Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears' customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service. ATTENTION: Dryers that have a colored sticker on the back, top, or a colored sticker or a plus sign ("+") on the back, bottom, near the gas valve assembly, have already been repaired. If accessible, consumers can check for these stickers or sign. If not accessible, contact LG or Sears as detailed below. LG Consumer Contact: For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices. Sears Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a repair, contact Sears toll-free at (888) 375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.sears.com and click on Product Recalls under Customer Service. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12251.html

RECALL: ECHO Bear Cat Recalls Hydraulic Log Splitters Due to Impact Hazard

Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ECHO Bear Cat Recalls Hydraulic Log Splitters Due to Impact Hazard May 30, 2012 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: ECHO Bear Cat log splitters Units: About 120 Manufacturer: Crary Industries Inc. of West Fargo, N.D. Hazard: The end cap of the log splitter’s hydraulic cylinder can break away from the body of the log splitter, posing an impact hazard to the user or bystander. Incidents/Injuries: Crary Industries has received three reports of the hydraulic cylinder end caps detaching resulting in one injury from a cylinder reportedly striking a consumer in the head. Description: This recall involves ECHO Bear Cat brand hydraulic log splitter with model numbers LS27270 and LS27270T, with a date code of 012908 stamped on the hydraulic cylinder. The model number is printed on the main beam of the log splitters. The date code is stamped on the hydraulic cylinder near the capped end. The log splitters are black and orange with ECHO Bear Cat printed on the hydraulic cylinder. Sold at: ECHO Bear Cat dealers nationwide from October 2007 through March 2012 for about $2,600. Manufactured in: USA Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the nearest dealer for instruction on receiving a free replacement cylinder installed by an authorized dealer. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Crary Industries toll-free at (888) 625-4520 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.bearcatproducts.com

Hire a Professional Chimney Sweep and Keep Your Home Safe and Warm This Season

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

In keeping with National Chimney Safety Week, October 2-8, the National Chimney Sweep Guild reminds homeowners to have an annual inspection by a professional chimney sweep.

While many homeowners are struggling to keep up with regular home maintenance expenses this home heating season, the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) shares the reminder that saving money in the short term by delaying routine maintenance may mean additional expense in the long run. Preventative maintenance is one way to keep down the cost of keeping your home safe and warm this season.

The National Chimney Sweep Guild and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that homeowners call a professional chimney sweep for an annual chimney inspection. Only a qualified professional will be able to identify and resolve maintenance issues before potential carbon monoxide intrusion and chimney fire hazards risk your time, health or money.

NCSG encourages homeowners to hire professional chimney sweeps with verifiable memberships, credentials and insurance. NCSG members have access to the latest training and equipment used in the industry and have agreed to abide by a formal Code of Ethics. Homeowners may locate an NCSG member company by visiting www.ncsg.org.

# # #

The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is a 501 (c)(6) non-profit trade association existing to promote the success of its members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade.

NCSG and CSIA to host first European Federation of Chimney Sweeps Meeting Outside of Europe

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Plainfield, IN , August 15, 2011 - The National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America are honored to host delegates from 11 countries and the United States for the 2011 European Federation of Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE) Technical Meeting this August 18-20 at the CSIA Technology Center and in Indianapolis. This is the first time that the event will be held outside of Europe. Traditionally, this event is held in Europe where many chimney sweeps are busy learning how to market their services in a time of deregulation of the sweeping trade.

“Our European colleagues have held the advantage of a more-established industry, bringing hundreds of years of tradition and experience to the table, “states Mark McSweeney, NCSG Executive Director. “We look forward to exposing the delegates to new service avenues and sharing America’s business-building tactics.”

Steen Hagensen of Enervex (formerly Exhausto) in Georgia will present a special marketing presentation to complement numerous technical seminars and workshops designed to demonstrate the American sweeping experience, such as:

Casting a crown with Terry Dearborn of Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration in Illinois.
Factory-built fireplaces with Jim Brewer of Magic Sweep Corporation in Virginia.
Chimney swifts with Paul Hempel of Brushes & Brooms in Illinois.
Dryer duct cleaning with Joe Sauter of Your Chimney Sweep in Indiana and Jay Walker of Jay Walker Enterprises in Florida.
Waterproofing with John Meredith of SaverSystems in Indiana.
High Efficiency Boiler/Efficiency Testing with Peter Cullen of Wohler USA in Massachusetts.
Scanning and sweeping a fireplace with Victor Imgarten of Clean Sweep Chimney Service in Missouri and Tom Urban of Estoban Chim-Scan in Iowa.
And an exhibit including a variety of American chimney sweep service vehicles.

To date, NCSG has received confirmation that national leaders of the following ESCHFOE member organizations will be in attendance: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

Generous support for this event has come from the following sponsors and ESCHFOE partners: Ahrens Chimney Technique, A.W. Perkins, eka-edelstahlkamine, Jeremias, Lindemann Chimney Supply, National Chimney Supply, Saver Systems and Wohler USA/Wöhler.

For more information, please contact Melissa Heeke, NCSG and CSIA Director of Communications and Marketing at mheeke@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.

Annual Chimney Inspection Appointments

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Plainfield, IN – September 24, 2010 The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) reminds homeowners to schedule annual chimney inspections before using fireplaces and wood stoves this season. Annual chimney inspections allow the chimney sweep to note cracks, creosote buildup or other obstructions which may diminish the functionality of the system and create an environment where chimney fires or carbon monoxide intrusion are likely.

The National Fire Prevention Association estimates that 25 percent of home heating fires are caused primarily by creosote buildup in the chimney. NFPA additionally recommends that all chimneys serving gas or wood-burning appliances are inspected on an annual basis.

# # #